How to check every supplier ABN in Xero
Xero keeps whatever ABN was typed into a contact's Tax number field. It does not confirm that the number passes the ABN checksum, that the ABN is still active, or that the supplier is registered for GST. Checking a long supplier list one ABN at a time on ABN Lookup is slow, so most files never get checked at all.
1. Export your contacts from Xero
In Xero, go to Contacts, choose All contacts (or Suppliers), then Export and pick CSV. The file includes ContactName and TaxNumber columns.
You can also use an MYOB or QuickBooks export, or any spreadsheet with a supplier name and an ABN column.
2. Upload the file to ClearABN
ClearABN detects the ABN and name columns. Each row gets an ABN checksum, then a lookup against the Australian Business Register for ABN status, entity name, business names and GST registration.
The first 25 suppliers per check are free, with no account required.
3. Review the flagged rows
Rows are flagged when the ABN is missing, fails the checksum, is cancelled, has no current GST registration, is not on the register, or the name you hold does not closely match the registered entity or business names.
Each flag links to the relevant ATO or ABR page so you can read the official guidance yourself.
4. Import the corrected file back into Xero
Download a Xero contacts import file with TaxNumber set to the normalised 11-digit ABN where the checksum passes. You also get a CSV and a PDF record of what the register showed on the day you checked, which is useful for client files.
Check your supplier list now
Free for 25 suppliers per check. No account required.
Official sources
ClearABN shows Australian Business Register facts and the result of an ABN checksum. It does not provide tax, legal or financial advice. Links go to the ATO and the Australian Business Register so you can read their pages yourself.